To celebrate World Book Day we have put together a list of our 12 favourite craft books to help you to perfect your craft projects and realise your creative visions.
The CraftCourses team recommends...
Make it simple
Make it simple
by Tilly and the buttons
Tilly’s whole philosophy seems to be about taking something that feels like it’s only for other (much more skilled) people and showing us how easy and accessible clothes making is.
I find it a much needed antidote to our fast fashion world.
10 minute watercolours
by Hazel Soan, Collins gem
It isn’t fancy or trendy: it’s small, factual and gives tiny tips that are easily understood, from what materials to use, to capturing individual elements you see, like clouds, water, pebbles and crowds.
Amazing Glaze
Amazing Glaze
by Gabriel Kline
This book provides a useful foundation followed by plenty of inspiring recipes to try to create your desired effect - covering low to high firing ranges, plus Raku, slip and underglaze techniques.
It's like walking into a sweet shop - so many you want to try but which to pick first?!
Traditional woodland crafts
Traditional woodland crafts
by Raymond Tabor
It explains not just the techniques and materials used but the background and history of the tradition, including the different types of wood used in different areas.
Drawing on the right side of the brain
Drawing on the right side of the brain
by Betty Edwards
If like many people you believe you can’t draw (I really can’t!) then this book is highly recommended.
I’m enjoying reading the theory behind the development (or lack of development) of our creative sides and exercises such as upside-down drawing are helping challenge my creative preconceptions.
The Sourdough School & Do Sourdough: slow bread for busy lives
Do Sourdough: slow bread for busy lives
by Andrew Whitley
The book is refreshingly simple - it takes the age-old art of making fermented bread and makes it hassle-free. A great place to start for a beginner entering into the often overwhelming world of sourdough bread.
I felt like I would never master a single loaf until this book came along, took away all the complexeties and numerous variations and allowed me to focus on just getting the first one under my belt!
The Sourdough School
by Vanessa Kimbell
Once you have mastered a simple loaf of sourdough bread this book is the go-to guide for everything you need to know about the craft of artisan bread making. It includes different starters, grains, specialist advice and plenty of background so that you understand the science and can start to develop your own unique making and baking plans.
Leatherwork : a manual of techniques
Leatherwork : a manual of techniques
by Geoffrey West
I like this book because it covers a wide range of techniques, such as hand stitching, thonging and burnishing, as well as a good introduction to the tools and materials needed in leather work.
The Knitter’s Bible
The Knitter’s Bible
by Claire Crompton
This is the best knitting book I have come across for giving great examples of different knitting techniques in a fuss free and easy to understand way. It got me cabling, which I was completely daunted by for a while.
There is also a very thorough stitch library section with over 100 variations and projects from beginners through to advanced, so you can get creating really quickly.
I just need to finish any one of the projects I have started ?…
Charcuterie
Charcuterie
by Michael Ruhlman & Brian Polcyn
The 1973 "What Can I do Today" Children's Craft Book is what got our Sam into making stuff, which became inventing stuff which became programming stuff and here he is!
These days I’m more into the food side of things than toilet roll submarines.
Modern Lettering
Modern Lettering
by Rebecca Cahill Roots
This practical guide to modern calligraphy encourages lots of practice as you move through the book with plenty of space to try out your newly learned techniques at each step of the way.
You are taught different styles and develop your own.
I love how lettering can be used create beautiful works of art and make simple things feel so special.
Making Rocking Horses
Making Rocking Horses
by Anthony Dew
One craft book I treasure is “Making Rocking Horses” the first book mine and Kate's Dad wrote back in 1984.
This book was written right at the start of his mission to bring Rocking Horse making back to life as a craft (he wrote subsequent books). Previously makers did not share their knowledge freely, there was a real sense of trade secrets and Anthony wanted to change that and allow any committed amateur wood worker to create a lasting heirloom for their family.
I love that there is a cute picture of Kate on the first page, wearing a fantastically retro “Save the wooden Rocking horse” t-shirt!
Of course we know that there is nothing quite like learning first-hand from an expert who can guide you, demonstrate and let you connect with the craft and materials, as well as give you a real-time hints and tips, so if you would prefer to get started in a new craft or add a new technique to a current hobby then have a browse of the thousands of craft classes on our site here.
If you have a great craft book to share please get in touch contact@craftcourses.com
